What Do the Colors Represent on the Norway Flag?

The flag of Norway dates to 1821, although Norway did not become a free kingdom until 1905. Norway's flag evolved from the country's unions with Denmark and Sweden, and shows similarities to the flags of those countries.

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History

Norway used the same flag as Denmark until 1814. Norway was ceded to Sweden in 1814 and began using Sweden's flag in 1818. Frederik Meltzer designed the current flag of Norway in 1821.

Description

The flag of Norway has a red background with a blue cross that is outlined in white extending to the edges of the flag. The vertical segment of the cross is positioned to the hoist, or left side, of the flag.

Meaning

The red, white and blue on Norway's flag are the colours of liberty and independence and the same colours the United States, France and Great Britain display on their flags. The red background on the Norwegian flag was taken from Denmark. The blue cross represents Sweden and Norway's link to other Scandinavian countries. The white outline around the cross completes the tricolour of freedom.